Skin Care Review: Summertime means sunscreen

Recently I received some skin care products to review and reached out to some respected bloggers to test them out and give their feedback. This is part three in a summer-long series, featuring Emily Elling of DesignHERMomma.com. -Twinkle

As a review blogger, one of the major perks of the job is getting a chance to try out products I’m not familiar with. Sometimes it’s because I’ve never heard of the brand, and then other times it is a fresh product hot off the production line. Regardless of how the product falls into my hot little hands, it’s a super fun experience to play with and explore all the options out on the market these days.

Recently I was given a chance to use and test out a few different sunscreen brands in the name of consumer research. And with the 4th of July weekend rapidly approaching, I jumped at the chance. I was sent 5 different products, two geared towards women, two geared towards basically anyone and then a moisturizer for babies.

For reference, I would classify myself as a medium to fair-skinned Caucasian. I burn pretty easily, and never leave home without sunscreen on my face.

That’s the song I wanted to sing while applying the Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen. When applied it felt more as if I was putting on a fresh and fragrant lotion, opposed to a sunscreen (which is a good thing).

Pro: The lotion feels light and didn’t clog up my pores. I wouldn’t say that I have sensitive skin, but it is prone to breakouts when exposed to the hot and humid air of summer. I feel this is a fantastic everyday sunscreen, and would be pretty great for any skin type. The fragrance has a hint of rose to it, so that’s why it classified it as a “ladies only” product. But then again, no judging!

Con: The shape of the bottle is a little cumbersome as it only stands up when the top is on. I know, silly details! Also, it’s a wee bit on the pricy side, retailing for $44 for 5 oz. But with that said, I totally think it’s worth the price if you can swing it.

The Suntegrity 5-in-1 moisturizing facial sunscreen (5: treat, hydrate, protect, prime and cover) was the only tinted “make-up” like sunscreen in the bunch. I’ve had mixed results in the past with tinted moisturizers, so my guard was up but I was willing to give it a test drive.

Pro: While the sunscreen is tinted, I felt it blended extremely well and went on sooth. I didn’t feel like I was globbing on foundation by any means, and it didn’t feel heavy on my skin. Additionally, because of it’s size and packaging, it’s designed to travel really well (packaged in a TSA Friendly Size airless pump tube, how cool is that?).

Con: At $45 for 1.7 oz, it’s a bit on the spendy side. I also felt like you had to use a fair amount of product to get a complete covering, making the bottle not last as long as I would have liked it to.

This was by far my favorite product I tested. Why? Because I can see myself using this product each and every day of the year, it’s that versatile. I’ve used mineral powder on my face for about three years now. One of the characteristics I love about minerals is that they never feel heavy, like you’re wearing a ton of make-up.

Pro: I love the Brush On Block because it’s a 2-in-1, making it ideal for everyday busy life. I’ve been keeping it in my diaper and gym bag, and apply it as a last step when getting ready in the morning. Additionally, touch-ups on the go are super simple and convenient.

Con: I would probably not use this if I was truly hitting the beach for a day of direct sun. In that case, I would probably lean towards a stronger coverage lotion. I feel if I perspired a ton, it would dissipate quickly.

Ok, Raw Elements is a fantastic sunscreen for those long days spent on the beach. Eco safe, reef safe, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. We took Raw Elements with us to the shores of Lake Michigan a few weeks ago, and my whole family wore it all day.

Pro: It works really well. Like, lay it on thick and you won’t get burned in the sun. And because it’s eco-friendly, it’s void of all the bad and harmful stuff. Woot!

Con: It goes on white (and is a very thick cream), so it’s hard to blend in to your skin. Additionally, it does feel a bit greasy. But then again, if you’re at the beach, who cares!

So MelanSol is not at all a sunscreen, more of an after sun moisturizer delicate enough for baby’s skin (and let’s be honest, pretty great for adults too).

Pro: First, it’s certified 100% natural, by the Natural Products Assoc. as well as being BPA, Phthalate, & Gluten Free. So if you have anyone in your family with allergies, this is the product for you. Additionally, I couldn’t put my finger on the scent but it’s very nice and light. I love the way it smells.

Con: At first I was taken aback because the moisturizer is a light brown color and the bottle needs to be shaken before use. Additionally, if you’re not quick on the draw, it might drip off you as the lotion is very thin to the point of being runny.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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So let’s discuss. Are you familiar with any of these products? And additionally, what is your favorite sunscreen these days?

Disclaimer: I was provided with these samples and like everything that I review my opinions are my own.

Emily Elling is a wife, mother, corporate designer and the Momma behind DesignHERMomma.com. There you can find her writings about life, kids and everything in-between. She is also a contributing writer on Disney Baby,Babble and The Simple.